Lion's Mane for Brain Health and Cognitive Performance
Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) is an edible medicinal mushroom used for centuries in Eastern medicine and cooking. [1]
In recent years, extensive research on Lion's Mane has demonstrated neuroprotective, neuro-regenerative and nootropic properties of this mushroom. [2, 3]
Bioactive Compounds
Lion's Mane contains bioactive compounds like hericenones, erinacines, polysaccharides and ergothioneine. [3, 4, 5]
-
Erinacines and hericenones can stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis which is crucial for neuroplasticity and memory, and overall brain health. [
3, 6, 7]
- Polysaccharides have shown immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities. [8, 9]
- Ergothioneine is a potent antioxidant that can reduce oxidative damage. [10, 11, 12]
A summary of active substances of Lion's Mane and their biological activities (adapted from Qiu Y. et al., 2024)
Animal & Cell Culture Studies
The neuroprotective mechanisms involve nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) synthesis stimulation, which is crucial for neuroplasticity and memory, antioxidant effects and anti-inflammatory activities. [2, 3, 13-18]
- In mouse models, Lion's Mane extracts improved memory and reduced amyloid plaques and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease models. [13, 14]
- Lion's Mane treatment increased neurogenesis (new brain cells production) markers like doublecortin in the hippocampus of aged mice. [15, 16]
- In vitro, Lion's Mane stimulated neurite outgrowth (which is crucial for neuroplasticity and memory), and protected neuron cells from toxicity. [17, 18]
- Also, the 2025 in vitro study has concluded: "...Hence, our findings emphasize the therapeutic promise of myo-inositol compounds of the H. erinaceus [Lion's Mane] aqueous extract in ADHD conditions." [19]
Human Studies
- In a pilot study on 30 people with mild cognitive impairment, Lion's Mane improved cognitive scores compared to placebo. [20]
- A trial on people over 50 found Lion's Mane prevented short-term memory decline and improved cognition. [21]
- In people with mild Alzheimer's disease, supplementation with Lion's Mane molecule erinacine A improved cognitive function and daily living scores. [22]
- 2 small studies also found reduced depression and anxiety symptoms with Lion's Mane intake. [23, 24]
- 1 more non-randomized clinical study of 77 people has also found that: "H. erinaceus (Lion's Mane) promoted an improvement in mood disorders of a depressive-anxious nature and of the quality of nocturnal rest. These effects persisted after eight weeks of H. erinaceus wash-out, suggesting that H. erinaceus might affect neuronal plasticity as expected by a NGF or BDNF like effect." [25]
Conclusion
Human and animal data indicate that Lion's Mane mushroom has therapeutic potential for brain health.
Overall, Lion's Mane is a promising natural supplement for supporting brain and nerve health, and cognitive performance. [2, 3]
💪🧠⚡
